Here is a short essay exploring the themes and impact of this powerful film:
The film’s second half deals with the aftermath of this rift, shifting into a meditation on grief, guilt, and the difficult path toward forgiveness. Léo’s journey is one of internalizing a heavy burden; he must navigate a world that has been irrevocably changed by his decision to conform. The vibrant flower farms that serve as the film's backdrop act as a poignant metaphor for the seasons of life—beauty is cultivated, harvested, and sometimes prematurely cut down. Here is a short essay exploring the themes
Lukas Dhont’s 2022 film Close is a devastatingly beautiful exploration of the transition from the boundless intimacy of childhood to the rigid social structures of adolescence. Through the story of two thirteen-year-old boys, Léo and Rémi, the film examines how societal expectations regarding masculinity can fracture the most profound human connections. Lukas Dhont’s 2022 film Close is a devastatingly